Trade Targets for Week 8 (Fantasy Football)
Here we are heading into Week 8 of the fantasy football season. We are about halfway through the regular season and heading into crunch time for fantasy football managers.
Let’s look at some trade targets for your fantasy football team that may help you win some games in the back half of the regular season.
Players to Trade For
Bijan Robinson
One of the more perplexing situations in Week 7 was the mystery of the lack of playing time for Bijan Robinson. He had just one carry for three yards, and it wasn’t until later that we found out it was because he was not feeling well. I’m sure many fantasy managers like myself lost close matchups with this dud that Bijan had because of a situation we were utterly unaware of Sunday morning. Robinson is an elite talent but has yet to be utilized to his full potential due to his offense. If there is an opening to trade for Bijan, you should try. He should have some good matchups coming up in Weeks 9 and 10 and also should have a solid playoff schedule. It’s difficult to trade for someone in Arthur Smith’s offense, but should there be an opening, go for it with Bijan.
Tee Higgins
Recently, Tee Higgins suffered a rib injury, which caused him to miss Week 5. He played in Week 6 but only had two receptions for 20 yards. Now that he is coming off of a bye week and had some time to rest, you should target him in trades. Overall, the schedule looks nice for the Bengals, and Higgins will get back on track soon. He was the WR15 in points-per-game last season, and he can produce similarly if he and Joe Burrow remain healthy. Ja’Marr Chase will be the number one option, but Higgins is still an excellent WR2. Higgins is probably the cheapest he will be for the remainder of the season due to injuries and disappointment in production.
Austin Ekeler
It’s been a disappointing season for fantasy managers who drafted Austin Ekeler high, mainly because he has dealt with injuries. Ekeler has played in the last two games but has failed to crack ten fantasy points in either matchup. He may have even gotten banged up again in Week 7, but he played the rest of the game. He only had two targets in Week 7, but look for him to get more involved in the passing game as he gets healthier. If the manager who rosters Ekeler is struggling, it’s well worth shooting an offer to see if you can snag him.
Players to Trade Away
Jahmyr Gibbs
I debated back and forth on putting Jahmyr Gibbs in here because he may just be a hold, but it’s worth exploring the trade market. Gibbs finally had a breakout performance after so many managers, including myself, thought so highly of him going into this season. He caught 9-of-10 targets for 58 yards and had 68 rushing yards and his first NFL touchdown in Week 7. The problem with Gibbs is we may have to assume that once David Montgomery returns, he’ll go right back into that role of minimal playing time. Gibbs may earn more touches after this performance, but if you can capitalize off this game with proper value in the trade market, that is probably the right thing to do.
Najee Harris
Honestly, any time I can put Najee Harris on the “players to trade away” portion of this article, I will likely do so. I’m not here to argue whether it’s Najee’s fault or if it’s just the Steelers’ offensive issues, but I do not want Harris on my team. Najee finished as the RB12 in half-point PPR leagues in Week 7, his first time cracking the top-12 this season, and got his first touchdown. He is not really involved in the passing game and is touchdown-dependent, so if you can trade him away, please do so. Aim to package him in a 2-for-1 deal where you come out with the best player in the trade. Easier said than done, I know, but go out and test your market and see if any running back needy teams are willing to make a move.
Josh Downs
I am somewhat torn on adding Josh Downs to the players-to-sell section because I love him as a player, but capitalizing off of a big game in Week 7 could be the right thing to do. While Downs will certainly continue earning targets, Michael Pittman should be the first-read in the offense. The Colts also have a tough schedule, coming up with matchups against the Saints, Panthers, and Patriots before heading into their bye week. Downs remains a solid flex player, but if you can upgrade to a more sustained WR2 option, then that’s what I would try to do.